Several events mark Memorial Day around Cape Fear

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Today we celebrate Memorial Day, a day to remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedom.

You may already have plans to honor the fallen men and women, but we want to let you know about some holiday events in the Cape Fear.

A Memorial Day service will be held at 11 a.m. at Wilmington National Cemetery on Market Street.

VFW Post 7288 in Calabash hosts its annual Memorial Day ceremony. It starts at 11 a.m. at the VFW at 900 Carter Drive. The featured speaker is Ed Salau, program coordinator for Wounded Warrior Battalion East at Camp Lejeune.

Rep. Mike McIntyre is scheduled to speak at another event in Calabash. This one is at the Calabash Fire Department, also at 11 a.m.

The first ever Murph on Memorial Day Fitness Fundraiser is set for 2 p.m. CrossFit at 6603 Market Street. The event is to honor Navy Seal and Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael Murphy. Murph’s grueling fitness test includes a one-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats and another one-mile run. Tickets are $10, and all proceeds go to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and college funds for the children of fallen Green Beret Ben Bitner.

You can also celebrate the day on the Battleship North Carolina at 5:45 p.m. This year is extra special because the Battleship, which is North Carolina’s World War II memorial, is celebrating its 50th year in Wilmington. Gov. Bev Perdue and Sen. Kay Hagan are scheduled to speak.